Digital Train Radio System Como Site Review of Environmental ...

4.4 Biodiversity
Existing Situation
At a national level there are 20 species of fauna, five species of flora and 19 migratory bird
species listed as threatened under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999 (EPBC
Act). These species or their habitat may occur in the search area (refer Appendix 3). At a state
level there are recordings of 22 threatened fauna species and 16 threatened flora species listed
under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act) within the search area (refer
Appendix 3). Given the absence of suitable habitat, it is unlikely that any threatened fauna
species will be present in the area.
The Towra Point Nature Reserve, which is a Ramsar-listed wetland and a matter of national
environmental significance matter listed under the EPBC Act, is approximately seven kilometres
away.
The immediate area around the proposed monopole and cabinet has been cleared previously,
however, there are number of trees in the vicinity, including some within 10 metres of the
proposed base of the monopole. Some of the trenching for the power and fibre connections will
extend through a regeneration area.
There are 83 species of noxious weeds identified in the Sutherland LGA. Weed control is
enforceable by Sutherland Shire Council, as the local control authority under the Noxious
Weeds Act 1993. RailCorp vegetation mapping also indicates that Lantana is in the proposed
area.
Potential Impacts
While there are several threatened species known to be present in the Sutherland LGA, the site
is in a disturbed area adjacent to the rail corridor, an area where there is no bushland or dense
vegetation. The proposed works do not include the removal of any of the existing trees.
The works are not expected to impact any listed threatened species or endangered ecological
communities. Given the relatively minor nature of work and distances, the Tower Point Reserve
is unlikely to be affected
Excavation works have the potential to affect nearby trees if roots are damaged during
excavation or from equipment impacting trees.
Once soil has been disturbed there is the potential for the spread of weeds. Noxious weeds are
known to occur in the Sutherland area, including Lantana.
With regards to fauna, the proposal will not remove vegetation or any other features considered
as potential habitat for fauna (threatened or otherwise). Animals could potentially fall into an
open trench and become trapped or injured. Trapped animals could be accidentally entombed
during the backfilling of trenches.
No operational impacts are expected.